U.S. patent application number 14/196073 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-03 for systems, devices, and/or methods for managing a thermocouple module.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Siemens Industry, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen Mowry, Robert Alan Weddle.
Application Number | 20140185646 14/196073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40471531 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140185646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mowry; Stephen ; et
al. |
July 3, 2014 |
SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND/OR METHODS FOR MANAGING A THERMOCOUPLE
MODULE
Abstract
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can
comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module
can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The
thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration
factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the
calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to
obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.
Inventors: |
Mowry; Stephen; (Kingsport,
TN) ; Weddle; Robert Alan; (Johnson City,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Siemens Industry, Inc. |
Alpharetta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
Alpharetta
GA
|
Family ID: |
40471531 |
Appl. No.: |
14/196073 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12206882 |
Sep 9, 2008 |
8702306 |
|
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14196073 |
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60994938 |
Sep 21, 2007 |
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60994750 |
Sep 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
374/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01K 15/005 20130101;
G01K 15/00 20130101; G01K 7/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
374/1 |
International
Class: |
G01K 15/00 20060101
G01K015/00 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: one or more thermocouples adapted to
transmit calibration voltage values; a thermocouple input module
communicatively coupled to the one or more thermocouples; and
firmware stored in the thermocouple input module; wherein the
thermocouple input module is operational to: receive the
calibration voltage values from the one or more thermocouples;
determine via the firmware one or more calibration factors for the
thermocouple input module based on the received calibration voltage
values; and apply via the firmware said calibration factors to an
incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted
thermocouple voltage value prior to obtaining a temperature
value.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a programmable logic
controller communicatively coupled to the thermocouple input
module, the programmable logic controller operational to receive
the temperature value.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the calibration factors are
selected from an offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage
gain, and a cold junction temperature adjustment.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple input module is
further operational to convert the adjusted thermocouple voltage
value to the temperature value.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple input module is
further operational to: convert the adjusted thermocouple voltage
value to the temperature value; and transmit the temperature value
to a programmable logic controller.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple input module is
further operational to reset the one or more calibration factors to
one or more factory calibration default values stored in the
thermocouple input module.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjusted thermocouple voltage
value is obtained via linear voltage compensation.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the firmware is a set of
machine-readable instructions that are stored in a non-volatile
read-only memory.
9. A method, comprising: receiving at a thermocouple input module
calibration voltage values from a thermocouple; determining via
firmware stored in the thermocouple input module one or more
calibration factors; storing the calibration factors in the
thermocouple input module; receiving at the thermocouple input
module an incoming thermocouple voltage value; and applying at the
thermocouple input module the calibration factors to the incoming
thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple
voltage value prior to obtaining a temperature value.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the calibration factors are
selected from an offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage
gain, and a cold junction temperature adjustment based on the
received calibration voltage values from the thermocouple.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the adjusted thermocouple
voltage value is obtained via linear voltage compensation.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the temperature value
approximately corresponds to the incoming thermocouple voltage
value.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising converting the
adjusted thermocouple voltage value to the temperature value.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: converting the
adjusted thermocouple voltage value to the temperature value; and
transmitting the temperature value to a programmable logic
controller.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising resetting the
calibration factors to stored default calibration factors via the
thermocouple input module.
16. A method, comprising: receiving calibration voltage values from
a thermocouple; and receiving an incoming thermocouple voltage
value; and within a thermocouple input module including stored
firmware, the thermocouple input module coupled to a programmable
logic controller, and prior to obtaining a temperature value,
applying firmware-determined calibration factors to the incoming
thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple
voltage value, the calibration factors based on the received
calibration voltage values from the thermocouple.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the calibration factors
comprise an offset, positive voltage gain, negative voltage gain,
and a cold junction temperature adjustment.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the adjusted thermocouple
voltage value is obtained via linear voltage compensation.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the firmware is a set of
machine-readable instructions that are stored in a non-volatile
read-only memory.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the temperature value
approximately corresponds to the incoming thermocouple voltage
value.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/206,882 (Attorney Docket No. 2007P18272US01), filed Sep. 9,
2008, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/994,938 (Attorney Docket No.
2007P18272US (1009-301)), filed Sep. 21, 2007, and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/994,750 (Attorney Docket No. 2007P20439US
(1009-333)), filed Sep. 21, 2007, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,421 (Takashi), which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety, allegedly discloses that the
"invention provides a temperature characteristic compensation
apparatus that correct temperature characteristics of control
circuits using thermal sensors into linear or optional temperature
gradients to guarantee correct and stable operations thereof. It is
equipped with a temperature characteristic compensation apparatus,
that can include: a constant current source in which a plurality of
constant current paths that include the constant current path
having a first resistance being interposed therein, which compose
current mirror circuits in multiple stages, a band gap circuit
formed from a pair of transistors that are connected to the
constant current paths, respectively, and a voltage follower
circuit, including the aforementioned constant current source and
the band gap circuit that provide a reference voltage, which
supplies the reference voltage at a low impedance. The ratio
between the first and second resistances can be freely selected in
connection with the ratio between emitter areas of the pair of
transistors (the size ratio of the two transistors), such that a
gradient of temperature coefficient of the output voltage can be
flexibly set." See Abstract.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,747 (Lunghofer), which is incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety, allegedly discloses that a
"device and method for monitoring the condition of a thermocouple.
In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a pair of
thermocouples, each thermocouple comprising first and second
thermoelement wires, and a diagnostic element selectively
electrically coupled at a junction with one of the thermoelements.
In a preferred embodiment, the diagnostic element is selected such
that it is more stable at the expected operating temperature range
of the thermocouple than the thermoelement wires themselves are.
The diagnostic element can be switched into electrical connection
with any of the thermoelements forming the thermocouples to thereby
define one or more loops. An initial loop resistance is measured
and recorded around each of the thermoelement/diagnostic element
loops. This initial resistance is stored in a calibration matrix as
a reference value. The initial loop resistance may be taken as part
of a calibration process or during initial operation of the
thermocouple. Subsequent loop resistance measurements are then
taken over time as the thermocouples age and compared against the
reference value. By comparing the reference value to subsequent
measurements, the level of degradation of the thermoelements can be
monitored. Further, in an embodiment utilizing an electrically
conductive sheath material, a conductive sheath wire may be used to
connect the sheath to any one of the thermoelements or the
diagnostic element. By monitoring the resistance in a measurement
circuit formed thereby, potential or actual virtual junction error
in the thermocouple assembly may be detected." See Abstract.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which
can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input
module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors.
The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the
calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted
to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple
voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments
will be more readily understood through the following detailed
description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the
accompanying exemplary drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system 1000;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
2000;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
3000; and
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an
information device 4000.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which
can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input
module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors.
The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the
calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted
to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple
voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system 1000, which can comprise a programmable logic controller
1100. Programmable logic controller 1100 can comprise and/or be
communicatively coupled to an input module 1200, which can be a
thermocouple input module. Input module 1200 can be communicatively
coupled to any desired number of sensors, such as a sensor 1300,
which can be a thermocouple. Via the control program, programmable
logic controller 1100 can be adapted to receive information from
sensor 1300 and/or, via a control program, control an actuator in
hard real time.
[0012] Input module 1200 can be adapted to: [0013] receive
calibration voltage values from the thermocouple; [0014] using the
calibration voltage values received from a thermocouple, determine
one or more calibration factors selected from an offset, positive
voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and a cold junction
temperature adjustment; [0015] store the calibration factors;
[0016] prior to obtaining a temperature value approximately
corresponding to an incoming thermocouple voltage value, apply the
calibration factors to the incoming thermocouple voltage value to
obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value; [0017] convert the
adjusted thermocouple voltage value to a temperature value; [0018]
transmit the temperature value to the programmable logic
controller; and/or [0019] reset the calibration factors to stored
defaults.
[0020] In certain exemplary embodiments, the one or more
calibration factors can be determined within firmware of the
thermocouple input module. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
one or more calibration factors comprise the offset, positive
voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and the cold junction
temperature adjustment.
[0021] Programmable logic controller 1100 can be communicatively
coupled to an information device 1600 via a network 1500.
Information device 1600 can comprise and/or be communicatively
coupled to a user interface 1620 and a user program 1640. User
program 1540 can be adapted to monitor and/or control one or more
activities associated with programmable logic controller 1100 such
as creating, modifying, and/or compiling the control program. User
interface 1620 can be adapted to render information regarding
programmable logic controller 1100 such as information regarding
creating, modifying, and/or compiling the control program.
[0022] For thermocouple modules, such as those used with industrial
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, a voltage calibration
can be performed to compensate for signal degradation due to wiring
and/or thermocouple inaccuracies and/or to obtain high accuracy
specifications. A factory calibration can be performed during a
manufacturing process to calibrate errors that arise inside a
module's hardware circuit. Yet for some applications, this
calibration of the module by the factory is not adequate for the
customer due additional errors introduced by signal degradation
caused by poor wiring and/or sensor error.
[0023] A customer can attempt to compensate for these additional
errors via performing a user calibration for a particular
thermocouple input module as it is used in a given application. In
certain exemplary embodiments, such a calibration can be performed
in the control program of the PLC. In certain exemplary
embodiments, a thermocouple's thermal response characteristic can
be non-linear and errors resulting therefrom can be relatively
difficult to correct. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
customer can adjust a temperature reading at 0.degree. C. for a
cold-junction temperature adjustment. In certain exemplary
embodiments, attempting to determine a non-linear response of the
thermocouple can be a time-consuming process.
[0024] Rather than attempting to calibrate within the PLC program,
certain exemplary embodiments can perform user calibration inside
the thermocouple input module, which can be an Input/Output module.
In certain exemplary embodiments, these calibration factors can be
applied to adjust the input value before it is sent to the PLC.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
2000, which can allow errors to be compensated in a process and/or
can have an improved accuracy since the module can compensate the
input as a linear voltage before it is converted to temperature and
sent to the PLC. In addition, this solution does not require any
special PLC code to compensate the thermocouple readings so the
response time of the PLC program need not be affected.
[0026] Performing such a calibration inside the thermocouple module
firmware can allow a voltage calibration to be performed linearly
since the module has access to the voltage information before it is
converted to temperature and sent to the PLC. Voltage calibration
can utilize a voltage offset, positive voltage gain, and/or
negative voltage gain. Certain exemplary embodiments can calibrate
the temperature error associated with the thermocouple
cold-junction.
[0027] Note that performing user calibration can cause unexpected
behavior for the module if the calibration process is not performed
properly. Thus, one feature that can be added is a reset to factory
default calibration. With this approach, if the user were to
accidentally make a mistake during the calibration process, the
module could be restored to the factory default calibration and the
user could attempt to perform the user calibration again.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
3000. Any activity or subset of activities of method 3000 can be
performed within a thermocouple input module coupled to a
programmable logic controller. One or more of the activities of
method 3000 can be performed using calibration voltage values
received from a thermocouple. At activity 3100, calibration factors
adapted for use in calibrating a thermocouple can be determined.
The calibration factors can be selected from an offset, positive
voltage gain, negative voltage gain, and a cold junction
temperature adjustment. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or
more calibration factors can be determined within firmware of the
thermocouple input module.
[0029] At activity 3200, the calibration factors can be stored. In
certain exemplary embodiments, the calibration factors can be
stored in a memory of the input module.
[0030] At activity 3300, the thermocouple can be calibrated. The
thermocouple can be calibrated based upon a calibration voltage
value obtained from the thermocouple. The thermocouple can be
calibrated using the calibration factors.
[0031] At activity 3400, a voltage value can be obtained from the
thermocouple. The voltage value can be transmitted via electrically
conductive wires. The voltage value can be proportional to a
temperature of the thermocouple.
[0032] At activity 3500, the voltage value can be converted to an
approximate temperature value. In certain exemplary embodiments,
within the thermocouple input module, prior to obtaining a
temperature value approximately corresponding to an incoming
thermocouple voltage value, the calibration factors can be applied
to the incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted
thermocouple voltage value. The adjusted thermocouple voltage value
can be converted to a temperature value.
[0033] At activity 3600, the temperature value can be transmitted
to a PLC. The PLC can be adapted to utilize the temperature value
as an input in a control program. The control program can be
adapted to cause operation of an actuator in hard real time.
[0034] At activity 3700, the calibration factors can be reset to
factory default values. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
factory default values can be used to obtain an approximate
temperature reading responsive to a determination that calibration
factors being used in method 3000 are found to be unacceptable
and/or erroneous.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an
information device 4000, which in certain operative embodiments can
comprise, for example, information device 1600 of FIG. 1.
Information device 4000 can comprise any of numerous circuits
and/or components, such as for example, one or more network
interfaces 4100, one or more processors 4200, one or more memories
4300 containing instructions 4400, one or more input/output (I/O)
devices 4500, and/or one or more user interfaces 4600 coupled to
I/O device 4500, etc.
[0036] In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user
interfaces 4600, such as a graphical user interface, a user can
view a rendering of information related to researching, designing,
modeling, creating, developing, building, manufacturing, operating,
maintaining, storing, marketing, selling, delivering, selecting,
specifying, requesting, ordering, receiving, returning, rating,
and/or recommending any of the products, services, methods, and/or
information described herein.
DEFINITIONS
[0037] When the following terms are used substantively herein, the
accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are
presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application,
the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this
application or any application claiming priority hereto is
reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent
that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if
an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that
patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the
subject matter outside of that definition.
[0038] a--at least one.
[0039] actuator--a device that converts, translates, and/or
interprets signals (e.g., electrical, optical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, etc.) to cause a physical and/or humanly perceptible
action and/or output, such as a motion (e.g., rotation of a motor
shaft, vibration, position of a valve, position of a solenoid,
position of a switch, and/or position of a relay, etc.), audible
sound (e.g., horn, bell, and/or alarm, etc.), and/or visible
rendering (e.g., indicator light, non-numerical display, and/or
numerical display, etc.).
[0040] adapted to--suitable, fit, and/or capable of performing a
specified function.
[0041] adjust--to change so as to match, fit, adapt, conform,
and/or be in a more effective state.
[0042] apply--to put to, on, and/or into action and/or service; to
implement; and/or to bring into contact with something.
[0043] approximately--about and/or nearly the same as.
[0044] associate--to relate, bring together in a relationship, map,
combine, join, and/or connect.
[0045] automatically--acting and/or operating in a manner
essentially independent of external human influence and/or control.
For example, an automatic light switch can turn on upon "seeing" a
person in its view, without the person manually operating the light
switch.
[0046] based--being derived from.
[0047] based upon--determined in consideration of and/or derived
from.
[0048] calibration--a checking of an instrument against a reference
point or standard.
[0049] calibration factor--a value that when mathematically applied
to a measured value adjusts the measured value to that of a
reference point and/or standard value.
[0050] can--is capable of, in at least some embodiments.
[0051] cause--to bring about, provoke, precipitate, produce,
elicit, be the reason for, result in, and/or effect.
[0052] circuit--an electrically conductive pathway and/or a
communications connection established across two or more switching
devices comprised by a network and between corresponding end
systems connected to, but not comprised by the network.
[0053] cold junction temperature adjustment--a correction of a
measured voltage value of a thermocouple that is based upon a
measurement, at a location at which two metal strips of the
thermocouple are joined, at a predetermined temperature that is
relatively low compared to an expected operating temperature of the
thermocouple.
[0054] communicatively--linking in a manner that facilitates
communications.
[0055] comprise--to include but not be limited to, what
follows.
[0056] configure--to design, arrange, set up, shape, and/or make
suitable and/or fit for a specific purpose.
[0057] control--(n) a mechanical or electronic device used to
operate a machine within predetermined limits; (v) to exercise
authoritative and/or dominating influence over, cause to act in a
predetermined manner, direct, adjust to a requirement, and/or
regulate.
[0058] convert--to transform, adapt, and/or change, such as from a
first form to a second form.
[0059] corresponding--related, associated, accompanying, similar in
purpose and/or position, conforming in every respect, and/or
equivalent and/or agreeing in amount, quantity, magnitude, quality,
and/or degree.
[0060] couple(d)--to join, connect, and/or link two things
together.
[0061] data--information represented in a form suitable for
processing by an information device.
[0062] deadline--a time interval during which an activity's
completion has more utility to a system, and after which the
activity's completion has less utility. Such a time interval might
be constrained only by an upper-bound, or it might be constrained
by both upper and lower bounds.
[0063] default--a predetermined value that is used unless a
superseding value is provided.
[0064] define--to establish the meaning, relationship, outline,
form, and/or structure of; and/or to precisely and/or distinctly
describe and/or specify.
[0065] determine--to obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, establish,
and/or ascertain.
[0066] firmware--a set of machine-readable instructions that are
stored in a non-volatile read-only memory, such as a PROM, EPROM,
and/or EEPROM.
[0067] from--used to indicate a source.
[0068] further--in addition.
[0069] haptic--both the human sense of kinesthetic movement and the
human sense of touch. Among the many potential haptic experiences
are numerous sensations, body-positional differences in sensations,
and time-based changes in sensations that are perceived at least
partially in non-visual, non-audible, and non-olfactory manners,
including the experiences of tactile touch (being touched), active
touch, grasping, pressure, friction, traction, slip, stretch,
force, torque, impact, puncture, vibration, motion, acceleration,
jerk, pulse, orientation, limb position, gravity, texture, gap,
recess, viscosity, pain, itch, moisture, temperature, thermal
conductivity, and thermal capacity.
[0070] hard deadline--the special case where completing an activity
within the deadline results in the system receiving all the utility
possible from that activity, and completing the activity outside of
the deadline results in zero utility (i.e., resources consumed by
the activity were wasted, such as when one travels to the beach to
photograph a sunrise on a particular day and arrives after the sun
has already arisen) or some negative value of utility (i.e., the
activity was counter-productive, such as when firefighters enter a
burning building to search for a missing person seconds before the
building collapses, resulting in injury or death to the
firefighters). The scheduling criterion for a hard deadline is to
always meet the hard deadline, even if it means changing the
activity to do so.
[0071] hard real-time--relating to computer systems that provide an
absolute deterministic response to an event. Such a response is not
based on average event time. Instead, in such computer systems, the
deadlines are fixed and the system must guarantee a response within
a fixed and well-defined time. Systems operating in hard real-time
typically interact at a low level with physical hardware via
embedded systems, and can suffer a critical failure if time
constraints are violated. A classic example of a hard real-time
computing system is the anti-lock brakes on a car. The hard
real-time constraint, or deadline, in this system is the time in
which the brakes must be released to prevent the wheel from
locking. Another example is a car engine control system, in which a
delayed control signal might cause engine failure or damage. Other
examples of hard real-time embedded systems include medical systems
such as heart pacemakers and industrial process controllers.
[0072] Human Machine Interface--hardware and/or software adapted to
render information to a user and/or receive information from the
user.
[0073] incoming--entering from an extrinsic location.
[0074] information--facts, terms, concepts, phrases, expressions,
commands, numbers, characters, and/or symbols, etc., that are
related to a subject. Sometimes used synonymously with data, and
sometimes used to describe organized, transformed, and/or processed
data. It is generally possible to automate certain activities
involving the management, organization, storage, transformation,
communication, and/or presentation of information.
[0075] information device--any device on which resides a finite
state machine capable of implementing at least a portion of a
method, structure, and/or or graphical user interface described
herein. An information device can comprise well-known
communicatively coupled components, such as one or more network
interfaces, one or more processors, one or more memories containing
instructions, one or more input/output (I/O) devices, and/or one or
more user interfaces (e.g., coupled to an I/O device) via which
information can be rendered to implement one or more functions
described herein. For example, an information device can be any
general purpose and/or special purpose computer, such as a personal
computer, video game system (e.g., PlayStation, Nintendo Gameboy,
X-Box, etc.), workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe,
supercomputer, computer terminal, laptop, wearable computer, and/or
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), iPod, mobile terminal, Bluetooth
device, communicator, "smart" phone (such as a Treo-like device),
messaging service (e.g., Blackberry) receiver, pager, facsimile,
cellular telephone, a traditional telephone, telephonic device, a
programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral
integrated circuit elements, a digital signal processor, an ASIC or
other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic circuit such
as a discrete element circuit, and/or a programmable logic device
such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or the like, etc.
[0076] Input/Output (I/O) device--an input/output (I/O) device of
an information device can be any sensory-oriented input and/or
output device, such as an audio, visual, haptic, olfactory, and/or
taste-oriented device, including, for example, a monitor, display,
projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball,
joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device,
microphone, speaker, video camera, camera, scanner, printer, haptic
device, vibrator, tactile simulator, and/or tactile pad,
potentially including a port to which an I/O device can be attached
or connected.
[0077] input--a signal, data, and/or information provided to a
processor, device, and/or system.
[0078] input module--a device and/or system adapted to receive
and/or forward information between a programmable logic controller
(PLC) and a predetermined set of sensors and/or actuators.
[0079] machine-implementable instructions--directions adapted to
cause a machine, such as an information device, to perform one or
more particular activities, operations, and/or functions. The
directions, which can sometimes form an entity called a
"processor", "kernel", "operating system", "program",
"application", "utility", "subroutine", "script", "macro", "file",
"project", "module", "library", "class", and/or "object", etc., can
be embodied as machine code, source code, object code, compiled
code, assembled code, interpretable code, and/or executable code,
etc., in hardware, firmware, and/or software.
[0080] machine-readable medium--a physical structure from which a
machine, such as an information device, computer, microprocessor,
and/or controller, etc., can obtain and/or store data, information,
and/or instructions. Examples include memories, punch cards, and/or
optically-readable forms, etc.
[0081] may--is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some
embodiments.
[0082] memory device--an apparatus capable of storing analog or
digital information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples
include a non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access
Memory, RAM, Read Only Memory, ROM, flash memory, magnetic media, a
hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical media, an
optical disk, a compact disk, a CD, a digital versatile disk, a
DVD, and/or a raid array, etc. The memory device can be coupled to
a processor and/or can store instructions adapted to be executed by
processor, such as according to an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0083] method--a process, procedure, and/or collection of related
activities for accomplishing something.
[0084] more--in addition to.
[0085] negative voltage gain--an increase or decrease in signal
power, voltage, and/or current, expressed as the ratio of output to
input having a slope that is less than approximately zero.
[0086] network--a communicatively coupled plurality of nodes,
communication devices, and/or information devices. Via a network,
such devices can be linked, such as via various wireline and/or
wireless media, such as cables, telephone lines, power lines,
optical fibers, radio waves, and/or light beams, etc., to share
resources (such as printers and/or memory devices), exchange files,
and/or allow electronic communications there between. A network can
be and/or can utilize any of a wide variety of sub-networks and/or
protocols, such as a circuit switched, public-switched, packet
switched, connection-less, wireless, virtual, radio, data,
telephone, twisted pair, POTS, non-POTS, DSL, cellular,
telecommunications, video distribution, cable, terrestrial,
microwave, broadcast, satellite, broadband, corporate, global,
national, regional, wide area, backbone, packet-switched TCP/IP,
IEEE 802.03, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, local area, wide
area, IP, public Internet, intranet, private, ATM, Ultra Wide Band
(UWB), Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, Airport, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE
802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, X-10, electrical power, multi-domain, and/or
multi-zone sub-network and/or protocol, one or more Internet
service providers, and/or one or more information devices, such as
a switch, router, and/or gateway not directly connected to a local
area network, etc., and/or any equivalents thereof.
[0087] network interface--any physical and/or logical device,
system, and/or process capable of coupling an information device to
a network. Exemplary network interfaces comprise a telephone,
cellular phone, cellular modem, telephone data modem, fax modem,
wireless transceiver, Ethernet card, cable modem, digital
subscriber line interface, bridge, hub, router, or other similar
device, software to manage such a device, and/or software to
provide a function of such a device.
[0088] obtain--to receive, get, take possession of, procure,
acquire, calculate, determine, and/or compute.
[0089] offset--a value adapted to correct a measurement when added
to the measurement.
[0090] one--a single entity.
[0091] plurality--more than one.
[0092] positive voltage gain--an increase or decrease in signal
power, voltage, and/or current, expressed as the ratio of output to
input having a slope that is greater than approximately zero.
[0093] predetermined--determine, decide, or establish in
advance.
[0094] prior--earlier in time.
[0095] processor--a hardware, firmware, and/or software machine
and/or virtual machine comprising a set of machine-readable
instructions adaptable to perform a specific task. A processor can
utilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic,
optical, informational, chemical, and/or biological principles,
mechanisms, signals, and/or inputs to perform the task(s). In
certain embodiments, a processor can act upon information by
manipulating, analyzing, modifying, and/or converting it,
transmitting the information for use by an executable procedure
and/or an information device, and/or routing the information to an
output device. A processor can function as a central processing
unit, local controller, remote controller, parallel controller,
and/or distributed controller, etc. Unless stated otherwise, the
processor can be a general-purpose device, such as a
microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, such the Pentium IV series
of microprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa
Clara, Calif. In certain embodiments, the processor can be
dedicated purpose device, such as an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
that has been designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware
at least a part of an embodiment disclosed herein. A processor can
reside on and use the capabilities of a controller.
[0096] programmable logic controller (PLC)--a solid-state,
microprocessor-based, hard real-time computing system that is used,
via a network, to automatically monitor the status of
field-connected sensor inputs, and automatically control
communicatively-coupled devices of a controlled industrial system
(e.g., actuators, solenoids, relays, switches, motor starters,
speed drives (e.g., variable frequency drives, silicon-controlled
rectifiers, etc.), pilot lights, igniters, tape drives, speakers,
printers, monitors, displays, etc.) according to a user-created set
of values and user-created logic and/or instructions stored in
memory. The sensor inputs reflect measurements and/or status
information related to the controlled industrial system. A PLC
provides any of: automated input/output control; switching;
counting; arithmetic operations; complex data manipulation; logic;
timing; sequencing; communication; data file manipulation; report
generation; control; relay control; motion control; process
control; distributed control; and/or monitoring of processes,
manufacturing equipment, and/or other automation of the controlled
industrial system. Because of its precise and hard real-time timing
and sequencing capabilities, a PLC is programmed using ladder logic
or some form of structured programming language specified in IEC
61131-3, namely, FBD (Function Block Diagram), LD (Ladder Diagram),
ST (Structured Text, Pascal type language), IL (Instruction List)
and/or SFC (Sequential Function Chart). Because of its precise and
real-time timing and sequencing capabilities, a PLC can replace up
to thousands of relays and cam timers. PLC hardware often has good
redundancy and fail-over capabilities. A PLC can use a
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with users for
configuration, alarm reporting, and/or control.
[0097] real-time--a system (or sub-system) characterized by time
constraints on individual activities and scheduling criteria for
using those time constraints to achieve acceptable system
timeliness with acceptable predictability.
[0098] receive--to gather, take, acquire, obtain, accept, get,
and/or have bestowed upon.
[0099] render--to display, annunciate, speak, print, and/or
otherwise make perceptible to a human, for example as data,
commands, text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or
hyperlinks, etc., such as via any visual, audio, and/or haptic
mechanism, such as via a display, monitor, printer, electric paper,
ocular implant, cochlear implant, speaker, etc.
[0100] request--(v.) to express a need and/or desire for; to
inquire and/or ask for. (n.) that which communicates an expression
of desire and/or that which is asked for.
[0101] reset--a control adapted to clear and/or change a
threshold.
[0102] said--when used in a system or device claim, an article
indicating a subsequent claim term that has been previously
introduced.
[0103] select--to choose an item.
[0104] signal--information encoded as automatically detectable
variations in a physical variable, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic,
acoustic, fluidic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical,
chemical, and/or biological variable, such as power, energy,
pressure, flow rate, viscosity, density, torque, impact, force,
frequency, phase, voltage, current, resistance, magnetomotive
force, magnetic field intensity, magnetic field flux, magnetic flux
density, reluctance, permeability, index of refraction, optical
wavelength, polarization, reflectance, transmittance, phase shift,
concentration, and/or temperature, etc. Depending on the context, a
signal can be synchronous, asynchronous, hard real-time, soft
real-time, non-real time, continuously generated, continuously
varying, analog, discretely generated, discretely varying,
quantized, digital, continuously measured, and/or discretely
measured, etc.
[0105] soft deadline--the general case where completing an activity
by a deadline results in a system receiving a utility measured in
terms of lateness (completion time minus deadline), such that there
exist positive lateness values corresponding to positive utility
values for the system. Lateness can be viewed in terms of tardiness
(positive lateness), or earliness (negative lateness). Generally,
and potentially within certain bounds, larger positive values of
lateness or tardiness represent lower utility, and larger positive
values of earliness represent greater utility.
[0106] soft real-time--relating to computer systems that take a
best efforts approach and minimize latency from event to response
as much as possible while keeping throughput up with external
events overall. Such systems will not suffer a critical failure if
time constraints are violated. For example, live audio-video
systems are usually soft real-time; violation of time constraints
can result in degraded quality, but the system can continue to
operate. Another example is a network server, which is a system for
which fast response is desired but for which there is no deadline.
If the network server is highly loaded, its response time may slow
with no failure in service. This is contrasted with an anti-lock
braking system where a slowdown in response would likely cause
system failure, possibly even catastrophic failure.
[0107] store--to place, hold, retain, enter, and/or copy into
and/or onto a machine-readable medium.
[0108] substantially--to a considerable, large, and/or great, but
not necessarily whole and/or entire, extent and/or degree.
[0109] system--a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines,
articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the
collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.
[0110] temperature--measure of the average kinetic energy of the
molecules in a sample of matter, expressed in terms of units or
degrees designated on a standard scale.
[0111] thermocouple--a temperature sensor that produces a
temperature-proportional electrical voltage.
[0112] transmit--to provide, furnish, supply, send as a signal,
and/or to convey (e.g., force, energy, and/or information) from one
place and/or thing to another.
[0113] user--a person, organization, process, device, program,
protocol, and/or system that uses a device, system, process, and/or
service.
[0114] user interface--a device and/or software program for
rendering information to a user and/or requesting information from
the user. A user interface can include at least one of textual,
graphical, audio, video, animation, and/or haptic elements. A
textual element can be provided, for example, by a printer,
monitor, display, projector, etc. A graphical element can be
provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or
visual indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An
audio element can be provided, for example, via a speaker,
microphone, and/or other sound generating and/or receiving device.
A video element or animation element can be provided, for example,
via a monitor, display, projector, and/or other visual device. A
haptic element can be provided, for example, via a very low
frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator, tactile pad,
simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad,
wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, and/or other haptic
device, etc. A user interface can include one or more textual
elements such as, for example, one or more letters, number,
symbols, etc. A user interface can include one or more graphical
elements such as, for example, an image, photograph, drawing, icon,
window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab, drawer, matrix, table, form,
calendar, outline view, frame, dialog box, static text, text box,
list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down list, menu, tool bar, dock,
check box, radio button, hyperlink, browser, button, control,
palette, preview panel, color wheel, dial, slider, scroll bar,
cursor, status bar, stepper, and/or progress indicator, etc. A
textual and/or graphical element can be used for selecting,
programming, adjusting, changing, specifying, etc. an appearance,
background color, background style, border style, border thickness,
foreground color, font, font style, font size, alignment, line
spacing, indent, maximum data length, validation, query, cursor
type, pointer type, autosizing, position, and/or dimension, etc. A
user interface can include one or more audio elements such as, for
example, a volume control, pitch control, speed control, voice
selector, and/or one or more elements for controlling audio play,
speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user interface can
include one or more video elements such as, for example, elements
controlling video play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse,
zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A user interface can
include one or more animation elements such as, for example,
elements controlling animation play, pause, fast forward, reverse,
zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color, intensity, speed,
frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface can include one or
more haptic elements such as, for example, elements utilizing
tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion, displacement,
temperature, etc.
[0115] value--a measured, assigned, determined, and/or calculated
quantity or quality for a variable and/or parameter.
[0116] via--by way of and/or utilizing.
[0117] voltage--(a.k.a., "potential difference" and "electro-motive
force" (EMF)) a difference in electrical potential between any two
conductors of an electrical circuit and/or a quantity, expressed as
a signed number of Volts (V), and measured as a signed difference
between two points in an electrical circuit which, when divided by
the resistance in Ohms between those points, gives the current
flowing between those points in Amperes, according to Ohm's
Law.
[0118] wherein--in regard to which; and; and/or in addition to.
[0119] within--inside.
Note
[0120] Still other substantially and specifically practical and
useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in
this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included
detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary
embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations,
modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and
accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments
are to be regarded as being within the scope of this
application.
[0121] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title,
field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure,
etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the
contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument,
with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any
claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether
originally presented or otherwise: [0122] there is no requirement
for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated
characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular
sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of
elements; [0123] any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or
duplicated; [0124] any activity can be repeated, any activity can
be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be
performed in multiple jurisdictions; and [0125] any activity or
element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities
can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.
[0126] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein,
unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is
approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly
stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all
subranges therein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described,
that range includes all values there between, such as for example,
1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges
there between, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to
9, etc.
[0127] When any claim element is followed by a drawing element
number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting
on claim scope.
[0128] Any information in any material (e.g., a United States
patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that
has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by
reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such
information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein.
In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would
render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then
any such conflicting information in such material is specifically
not incorporated by reference herein.
[0129] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background,
summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this
application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
* * * * *